Fifth medical college debate dedicated to Faraaz starts

The fifth National Medical College Debate and Quiz Festival began in Rajshahi city yesterday, with organisers dedicating the event to the memory of Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, who sacrificed his life in a rare display of human spirit during the Gulshan cafe terrorist attack.

The two-day debating event was launched with a call to the students to practice debate for establishing a society of tolerance, democracy, and humanity.

The learning of debate involves tolerance to dissenting views, which is a key component of democracy and human rights; so its practice is necessary for building a golden Bangladesh, said ophthalmologist Prof Dr Deen Mohammad Nurul Haque, at the inaugural ceremony at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC).

“To achieve happiness, it is necessary to have physical, financial and social freedom, which is difficult. But one can be happy by having a good family and friends, and an organised life through healthy practice of debate and sacrifice,” said Prof Haque, who was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony.

Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain

RMC Principal Prof Masum Habib chaired the ceremony.

During the July 1 Holey Artisan cafe attack, Faraaz Hossain was offered a release by the captors but he refused to leave behind his friends. The 20-year-old was slain with 19 other hostages by terrorists.

National Debate Federation-Bangladesh (NDF BD) and Rajshahi Medical College Debating Club (RMC DC) jointly organised the "Unimed and Unihealth 5th NDF-RMC DC National Medical College Debate and Quiz Festival."

The topics of debates were selected with the aim of  promoting patriotism, tolerance, and merit, and they cover subjects of humanity, anti-militancy, medical education, and awareness, said NDF BD Chairman AKM Shoaib.

Some of the topics are "Faraaz – a bright star in the sea of sacrifice", "Parents, not the educational institutions, have a role in resisting militancy", "Sacrifice of youths for building a society of friendship", said Shoaib.

He said the national festival was taken to Rajshahi city to spread the debate movement across the country.

Speaking as chief guest in the inaugural session, Prof Kamrul Hasan Khan, vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), said those doing well in debate succeeded in life.

“The life cycle of humans involves debates. You will experience it when you sit for examinations, when you get married, and when you are engaged in politics. So, you have to master the art,” he said.

The first day of the festival started with a colourful procession of hundreds of participants parading the streets near RMC.

At least 40 adjudicators will preside over to select the champion and runner-ups from 85 debating teams and 40 quiz teams from 45 medical colleges in the country.

The judges will also select first to fifth place winners from among 29 single debaters, who are also participating in Bengali public speaking competitions and 23 other debaters who will take part in English public speaking competitions.

The festival includes holding of campfires, flying of fanus (paper balloons) and the cultural functions include staging of "Niruddister Sondhane", a drama by Monoj Mitra.